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Emmanuel : Stories : Lambo (2001)
Lambo (2001)
In February - March 2001 Costas G. Emmanuel traveled to Kenya and Tanzania. In Tanzania he visited his nationalized farm and house at Lambo, and his father's former house at Chombo. Below is the letter and photos he sent to his son Gregory after his return.
By Constantine G. Emmanuel, March 2001
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Athens 14 March 2001
My safari to East Africa was memorable indeed and I enjoyed very much this change. My visit to the Lambo house and your grandfather’s house at Chombo brought back happy memories. However it was sad to see the decline of what was, some 27 years ago, a prosperous coffee and sisal industry on Kilimanjaro. If this policy of African Socialism was meant to be for the benefit of the people, unfortunately exactly the opposite happened. All nationalized farms were completely destroyed, right down to the ground. The banks no longer advance any money to the Co-ops, as they are already in the red. So now they welcome investors to take the farms on a long term lease. Hence Niko’s (Costa's brother) farm is a showpiece in Moshi.
I enclose for you a copy of the list of assets to be sold by the Co-op which now owns Lambo (Foo Rongai Wazi Joint Cooperative Enterprises). Actually someone purchased all the materials so he will have to demolish the house first! Mind you, the termites as you will see from the photos, are doing an excellent job of this!
I also enclose for you some photos of the Lambo and Chombo house. The big Avocado tree in front of the house where you were playing with Elli, is no longer there. Martha, your Ayah (nanny), came to see me, she is in fair shape...
It was interesting to note the population explosion in East Africa. From Arusha to Moshi all land is now occupied, with houses and dukas (small roadside stores).
Costas G. Emmanuel
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